Mind Uncharted Explore. Discover. Learn.
European aviation is facing disruptions and cancellations this Easter holiday season due to strikes sweeping through France, Germany, Portugal and the UK. The situation is a major test of the industry’s ability to avoid the chaos experienced during last summer’s holiday season. Airlines, airports and air traffic authorities predict delays that could last throughout the holiday period; Steven Moore, who manages air traffic management operations at Eurocontrol, declared delays to be inevitable. The strikes have prompted concern as they disrupt airlines’ ability to cross French airspace, which accounts for 15% of European traffic. The disruptions coincide with a recovery in travel demand, with departures from the UK set to surge by 11% compared with last year and 650% compared with 2023. However, demand is still expected to be about 13% lower than before the pandemic.
